Recession Empathy

Because you spend the majority of your waking hours at the office, it is easy to have your personal challenges spill over into the workplace, especially in these troubled times. Knowing that your co-workers are experiencing the same stress means that together, everyone needs to offer support and understanding. Here are some suggestions for getting through these tough times.
Begin by understanding that you are not alone in many of the stresses you are experiencing. Your co-workers can become your greatest allies and best means of support if you work together with a common goal in mind.

Empathize. Downsizing means that many have been forced to take on extra responsibilities. You may feel you are the only one caught up in this unfortunate situation but you are probably not alone. Rather than gripe about the circumstances, realize that others are facing the same challenges as you. Work together to see how processes can be streamlined or tasks shared or just offer an understanding ear if venting will help.

Encourage. Now is not the time to slack off or throw your hands in the air in despair when a work request may seem overwhelming or unrealistic. Encourage your co-workers to work together to get the job done. If you are a manager, understand that adding more work to an already seemingly overflowing plate will not be kindly welcomed. Discuss the task at hand with everyone involved and ask for suggestions on how best to attack it as a group and get it done. Be a cheerleader all the way through to completion but offer sincere encouragement while being ready to work right alongside your troops.

Share. It is perfectly natural to want to hoard your work rather than share it in tough times like these. You fear your position may be a casualty of the next round of layoffs so you attempt to keep as much work for yourself as possible. This plan may actually backfire on you though. The best plan is to shine in the tasks given you. Do the best possible job you can in order to prove your worth. Work with others when necessary to gather input and share your expertise so that everyone succeeds. After all, the goal is to help your business thrive so that additional downsizing is not necessary.

Complement. Everyone is under stress and trying to keep their jobs. Remember though that it is only natural to work harder when praise is given in recognition. Share credit for work done with everyone involved. Offer complements to those deserving of them. In times like these there is heightened stress at all levels, from top management on down. When a boss goes to bat for you, offer thanks. When a co-worker helps you, offer thanks. And, if someone who reports to you does something great, make sure they are thanked and that they are recognized by upper management too. Complements all around will help to relieve stress and the bottom line will profit in the end.

Befriend. It is interesting to note that relationships in the workplace may be stronger when times are tough. Just recently 95% of office workers surveyed reported their relationships with co-workers were good or very good. This figure is actually slightly higher than the same survey results from four years ago. Now is a great time to get to know your colleagues on a personal level. You will find that many are experiencing the same concerns as you, which should bring some comfort.

Flexible. Change can be stressful so do your best to be flexible. Step in where you see help is needed. Be willing to rearrange priorities. Now is a good time to take on additional responsibilities. Keep your companies ultimate goal in mind and do more than is expected in order to help everyone reach that goal.

Commit. With fewer people doing all the work, all must be committed. Do your best to remain on schedule as much as possible unless a change is for the better. Meet deadlines and make sure you keep track of the details. Commit yourself and those around you to doing the best job possible so that everyone can keep the job they have!

Bond. Even when money is tight and raises impossible, there are ways to encourage teamwork and company bonding without spending too much in precious funds. Consider charitable or volunteer activities that promote group bonding. Encourage an atmosphere of giving back. You have a job so do something to help those who don't and may be in need. Remember employee and business associate's birthdays and anniversaries by sending business birthday cards and anniversary cards. The expense is minimal and the rewards immeasurable. Personalized greeting cards also project a message that says your company is doing well even in difficult times.

Keep your eye on the prize and offer empathy along the way. Even in a recession there is hope for a better future. Do your part to contribute to your company, your co-workers, your family and others to your best abilities and you are certain to be rewarded in better times ahead.